CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!

WEEK 13: THE NATURE OF CRITICAL reflection, evaluation, inference,

THINKING explanation, problem solving and
decision making.
Critical Thinking
- Objectively and critically think about a
- Analysis of facts to form a judgment topic or subject matter.
- The subject is complex and several - Accurately identify what argument are
different definitions exists, which raised in a particular issue.
generally include the rational, skeptical, - Carefully evaluate the different points of
unbiased analysis, or evaluation of view presented to understand how valid
factual. and concrete they are.
- Defined as the progressive ability to - Recognize the weakness and loopholes
rationalize matters and think vividly by in the presented arguments and
connecting logical reasoning behind evidences.
ideas. - Understand all implications of every
- Despite criticisms, a critical thinker argument.
assumes that a presented information is - Come up with a structured reasoning that
just an assumption, an opinion or a guess supports any argument that you want to
unless proven with proper research or raise.
apparent evidences.
- Critical thinkers will identify, analyze
and solve problems systematically rather The Critical Thinking Process
by intuition or instinct.
- No matter how ideal critical thinking as
the new norm may be, the fact of the
matter is that we cannot apply critical
A critical thinker habitually displays the
thinking at all times.
following characteristics:
- It is natural to put our mental state at rest
- Determines the relevance and important from time to time.
of arguments, questions and ideas - Not all situations and problems require
- Understand the connections between critical thinking.
ideas - Even common sense suffices
- Identifies in consistent reasoning and sometimes.
consistent errors - What is important is for you to have the
- Recognizes, appraises and builds ability to identify the situations that need
arguments critical thinking and to be able to activate
- Reflects on the justification of their own your critical thinking skills when they are
assumptions, beliefs and values. needed the most.
- Approaches problem solving in a
systematic way, favoring objectivity over
subjectivity. Ascertaining Your Goals
- One of the most important aspects of
critical thinking is to decide what you are
Skills Needed in Critical Thinking:
aiming to achieve and then make a
- The skills that we need in order to be able decision based on a range of
to think critically are varied and include possibilities.
observation, analysis, interpretation,
stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
- Once you have clarified that aim for - Critical thinking does not stop at the
yourself, you should use it as the starting application of decisions and their
point in all future situations requiring evaluation
thought and further decision making. - Changes are also implemented if there is
- The more we understand ourselves, the still room for improvement.
faster we can develop critical thinking. - For a critical thinker, no solution is
permanent as problems constantly
change.
The Benefit of Foresight
- Critical thinking can never be completed
without a keen foresight.
- Foresight is defined as the ability to
predict future actions which enables a
person to proactively create solutions to
impending problems.
- Foresight is not just any random
guessing game. It requires inference
using existing information gathered
through systematic research, keen
observation and careful analysis
- In a way, we can say that this is the ability
to make tentative conclusions and plan
logical arguments ahead of time.

In summary…
- Critical thinking aims to come up with the
most favorable results in any situation
- This is only possible after collecting
evaluation information culled from as
many reliable sources a possible.
- Critical thinking entails an objective self-
evaluation of strengths, weaknesses,
preferences and expected outcomes, no
matter how uncomfortable it may feel at
first.
- Critical thinking requires the
development and use of foresight.
- Decisions made with critical thinking
require assessment of projected
outcomes after application.
- This allows proactive solutions as soon
as negative outcomes are projected.

stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
WEEK 14: CHARACTERISTICS OF A - Curiosity forces you to keep and open
CRITICAL THINKER mind and propels you to gain deeper
knowledge.
Critical thinking
3rd Characteristic: OBJECTIVITY
- More than just the accumulation of facts
and knowledge; it is a way of - A critical thinker remains objective
approaching whatever is presently despite the situation being affective and
occupying your mind so that you can personal. That person is able to
come up with the best possible distinguish facts from opinions, logic from
conclusion emotions and reality from wishful
- First step in the critical thinking process thinking. Moreover, judgment is not
is to identify the situation or problem as dictated by other compelling people.
well as the factors that may influence it. - Nevertheless, being objective does not
- Eventually, you tend to compare mean losing all your personal beliefs,
arguments about at issue, and biases and preferences. It only means
independent research ability or being aware of your own weaknesses,
verification is the key to evaluate these and knowing how to separate subjectivity
based on the prescribed context. from objectivity.
1st Characteristic: OBSERVATION 4th Characteristic: INTROSPECTION
- Considered as one of the first innate - It is the state of being aware of your own
critical thinking skills. You observe when manner of thinking and train of thoughts.
you perceive your environment to be It means knowing when to shift thoughts
more aware of the world around us. or to stop altogether.
- As you observe, you also take mental - Introspection allows you to stay alert and
notes of relevant details, which you can attentive at all times. It is also a good
use to develop deeper insight and a more quality to have when self-reflecting on
profound understanding of the world. your decisions and actions.
2nd Characteristic: CURIOSITY 5th Characteristic: ANALYTICAL THINKING
- It is prerequisite to learning. Without it, - The ability to analyze information is key
there would be fewer discoveries and when looking at anything, whether it is a
fewer inventions. Furthermore, there piece of business document, statistical
would be less radical principles as people data or a pressing situation.
would have been afraid to challenge the - To analyze information, you need to
status quo, resulting to dormancy in our break information down to its component
society. parts and evaluate how well those parts
- Being inherently inquisitive and function together and separately.
interested in the world and people around Analysis relies on observation – on
you are a hallmark of leaders who are gathering and evaluating evidence so
critical thinkers. Rather than taking you can come up to a meaningful
everything at a face value, a curious conclusion.
person will wonder why something is the
way it is, and will not be afraid to impose
changes as deemed necessary.

stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
6th Characteristic; IDENTIFYING BIASES concern for others and to value the
welfare of other people.
- Critical thinkers challenge their own
beliefs by verifying the sources of their 10th Characteristic: HUMILITY
information and looking for alternative
- It is the willingness to acknowledge one’s
sources. Doing this helps you understand
shortcomings and see one’s positive
your own biases and question your
attributes in an accurate way. It makes us
preconceived notions.
aware of our own assets and flaws, which
7th Characteristic: DETERMINING shows how open-minded you are and
RELEVANCE willing to learn.
- When you have intellectual humility,
- When gathering information, you should
you are open to other people’s
not be distracted by the reputation of the
viewpoints. You may only acknowledge
source, the complexity of the data and
the existence of various points, but not
the popularity of the information.
their validity. However, you are also open
- Only look at its relevance to the topic and
to recognize when you are wrong and
the arguments that you are planning to
you are willing to challenge your own
raise.
beliefs when beneficial.
8th Characteristic: INFERENCE
11th Characteristic: WILLING TO CHANGE
- Information does not always come with a STATUS QUO
summary that spells our exactly what it
- Critical thinking means questioning long-
means. Critical thinkers need to assess
established beliefs and practices, and
the information and draw conclusions
refusing to adhere to traditional methods.
based on raw data. Inference is the
- Critical thinkers are looking for smart,
ability to extrapolate meaning from data
thoughtful answers and methods that
and discover potential outcomes when
take into account all the current and
assessing a scenario.
relevant information and practices
- Difference between inference and
available.
assumptions:
- The willingness to challenge status quo
• Inference: logical or intellectual
may seem controversial. However, by
conclusion you come to. It is what
challenging the status quo, you
the mind does in figuring
acknowledge that everything can change
something out.
and has to be changed when deemed
• Assumption: unexplained belief. necessary.
This is what we think without
realizing we think it. An 12th Characteristic: OPEN-MINDEDNESS
assumption is something we take
- Critical thinkers avoid launching into a
for granted or presuppose.
frenzied argument or taking sides – they
9th Characteristic: COMPASSION & want to hear all perspectives.
EMPATHY - Critical thinkers do not jump to
conclusions right away. They approach a
- Being sentimental and emotional may be question or situation with an open mind
a negative trait, as it can skew our and embrace other opinions and views.
perception of a situation. However, the
point of having compassion is to have

stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
13th Charactertistic: AWARENESS OF
COMMON THINKING ERRORS
- Critical thinkers prevent illusions and
misconceptions to cloud or distract their
logic and reasoning.
- They are aware of the common logical
fallacies, which are errors in reasoning
that often creep into arguments and
debates. 15th Characteristic: CREATIVE THINKING
- Some common errors in thinking:
• Circular reasoning: the premise - Creative thinkers reject standardized
of an argument or a conclusion is formats for problem solving. They think
used as support for the argument about the box and dare to defy standards
itself. when deemed more beneficial. They
• Cognatic shortcut bias: you have a wide range of interests and adopt
stubbornly stick to a favored view multiple perspective on a problem. They
or argument when other more are also open to experimenting with
effective possibilities or different methods in considering different
explanations exist. viewpoints.
• Confusion correlation with - Creativity is associated with generating
causation: if you assert that when ideas, while critical thinking is associated
two things happen together, one with analyzing and appraising those
causes the other. This is not ideas. Creativity is important to bringing
justified without direct evidence. in novel ideals: critical thinking can bring
o Correlation is a test of those ideas into clearer focus.
relationship patterns, while - Creativity is also considered as the
causation is a test of extension of the 7Cs of effective
causes and outcomes. communication, sometimes calling it the
9Cs (including creativity and credibility)
14th Characteristic: EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION 16th Characteristic: ACTIVE LISTENING

- It is hard to strictly define effective - Active listening and passive listening

communication as a person’s both show intent and interest in listening
effectiveness varies depending on the but between the two, only active listening
situation and the people involved. shows adequate feedback.
However, a person is said to have an - Being a passive listener may not always
effective communication when the 7Cs be the best option. Hence, one has to
are observed: practice active listening and make his or
• Clarity her presence felt in the group. This is
• Conciseness known as the precursor to assertiveness
as one has to participate in the
• Concreteness
discussion first before asserting opinions.
• Correctness
• Coherence
• Completeness
• Courtesy
stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
WEEK 15: THE CHALLENGES AND important, to point when they no longer
BARRIES TO CRITICAL THINKING IN THE care if what they say online reflects their
21ST CENTURY true opinions and values or not.
- Can lead to unhealthy decision-making
A World of Illusions
pattern. Like egocentric thinking, it is
In particular, people adopt false ideas for difficult to overcome. Breaking the cycle
several reasons: requires individuals to stand apart from
the group and question opinions,
- People believe stories because they are thoughts and popular ideas.
the ones available (due to lack of another
source) 3. Drone Mentality
- Beliefs may justify past actions (to pacify - You do not pay attention to what is going
guilt and protect pride) on around you.
- People may not recognize the - You only pay attention to your point of
significance of their own perceptions view from atop, not minding what really
(due to low self-esteem and poor sense happens on the ground at face value.
of self-worth) - Daily routines often lead to a drone
- People may not want to question their mentality and can prevent or cause a loss
beliefs (to avoid disappointing or painful of critical thinking skills.
reality) - This is especially true when your mind
automatically ignores stressors even
when they are necessary for you to
1. Egocentric thinking understand reality.
- Natural tendency to view everything in - This mentality is dangerous is a
relation to oneself, sometimes to a point classroom because learners forget how
of having a narcissistic or messianic to respond to new circumstances.
mindset. - It also causes them to shy away from
- This type of thinking leads to the inability challenges for the sake of ease and
to sympathize with others or analyze and convenience.
evaluate various perspectives. - They prefer to stay cooped up in their
- Sadly, since most egocentric people are comfort zones, possibly due to fear of
not willing or cannot see this character getting rejection, getting embarrassed in
flaw within them, this increases the front of other people, or feeling
difficulty in overcoming the barrier. disappointed of themselves.

2. Groupthink 4. Social Conditioning

- Mental phenomenon where people - Unwanted assumptions and stereotyping
belonging to the same group adopt the lead to social conditioning.
same manner of thinking and the same Commercialism and capitalism do not
principles, regardless of how irrational or seem to help either as they dominate
illogical they are, for the sake of media with information controlled by
maintaining a harmonious relationship or profit-based desires.
reputation. - Teachers can help their learners by
- This is how online trends start, as people presenting objective information and then
start supporting trending opinions to feel by subsequently providing different
relevant, acknowledged and given interpretations, which may be used by
stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
students as examples to create their own teacher must have students questions
interpretations later on. their logic.
• What do I think about this topic?
5. Biased Experiences • What could be the reason behind
- Personal biases can prohibit critical this thought?
thinking because they prevent the thinker • Where and how did I know about
from being fair, inquisitive and open- this information?
minded. • What does the information imply?
- This kind of thinking can also prevent an • Would it be more beneficial if I
individual from using experience, change my view?
reasoning and common sense to make
informed decisions. Critical thinkers do not accept information
presented in front of them right away. They sort
6. Time Pressure our and filter what needs to be accepted and
- Prioritization, nonetheless, is becoming a what needs to be rejected. That is only possible
challenge for many learners belonging to if you keep asking questions and challenging
the younger generation due to the advent the veracity of information presented to you.
of the internet, especially with social
media and online games readily
accessible for everyone.
- Hence, it is of utmost importance for all
learners to clearly identify and
understand their goals in life, which
should comprise their priority list.

7. Intolerance and Arrogance

- Intolerance and arrogance are never
characteristics that will match the
descriptions of genuine critical thinkers.
- Furthermore, finding solutions is almost
impossible while having close-
mindedness.
- Without critical thinking skills, people
usually react thoughtlessly and
recklessly to situations.
- Nonetheless, what they should do is
assess and take responsibility for their
decisions and action while also accepting
the rewards and consequences that
follow those decisions and actions.
- Intolerance and arrogance undermine
creativity, which, consequentially leaves
no room for other suggestions for
problem-solving. If learners believe no
better solution to a problem exists, a

stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
WEEK 16: CRITICAL THINKING AND Critical Thinking: Evaluating Evidences
CRITICAL READING
On the other hand, to effectively perform critical
Both critical reading and critical thinking are thinking, one must:
different from one another but they are closely
- Read to learn new information
related:
- Correcting inaccurate information
- Critical Reading: is careful, active, - Learning to accept what is true and
reflective analytic reading useful before applying them to a task
- Critical Thinking: is reflecting on how
Critical thinking includes complex combination
valid what one has just read in
of skills. To evaluate effectively, one does not
consideration to their prior knowledge
just get any information. It needs to be a reliable
and understanding of the topic.
information and gathered from reliable sources.
- Critical reading often comes first before
critical thinking as before you can think Critical Thinking by a Critical Reader:
critically and evaluate, you should have
fully understood a text or article (critical To be an effective critical thinker, one must
reading) adopt:
- Both belong to the same process and - Rationality
linked with each other but Critical - Self-awareness
Thinking and Critical Reading got a - Honesty
distinction between them: - Open mindedness
• One must read text on its own - Discipline
merit and won’t impose prior - Judgment
knowledge or views on it.
How to be an effective Critical Thinker?
• One must not twist the meaning
within a text just because of the Rationality:
prior knowledge they have on it
Rational critical thinkers are:
• Learn and re-learn actively! Being
open to new information. - Relying on reason than emotion
- Ignoring arguments without valid
evidence and follow evidence where it
Critical Reading: Verify and Validate Texts leads
- More focused with finding the best
Tasks below must be done to effectively perform
explanation that being right with
critical reading. One must:
confusion and random questioning
- Address topic specifically - Prioritizing truth and facts over emotional
- Define terms clearly satisfaction or “ego-feeding”.
- Present logical and objective evidences
Self-Awareness:
- Account for common knowledge
- Explain exceptions (if present) Self-aware critical thinkers are:
- Show that causes come before the
- Weighing influences of motives and bias
effects
- Recognizing own assumptions,
- Show conclusions based on logic
prejudices or viewpoints
through arguments by evidences.

stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
- Accepting mistakes and achievements
as far as arguments and reasoning are
concerned.
Honesty:
Honest critical thinkers are:
- Recognizing emotional impulses, selfish
motives, horrible purposes and other
self-deceptions
- Recognizing what one feel for what they
actually are not for what one wants them
to be (personal/selfish judgment)
Open-mindedness:
Open-minded critical thinkers are:
- Evaluating all reasonable
inferences/conclusion
- Setting aside biases when evaluating
information
- Considering variety of viewpoints and
perspectives
- Remaining open to alternative
interpretation
- Accepting new explanation to explain
evidences better
- Accepting new priorities to re-assess
evidences
- Not rejecting unpopular views out of
hands
Discipline:
Disciplined critical thinkers are:
- Precise, meticulous, comprehensive and
exhaustive
- Resisting manipulation and irrational
appeals
- Avoiding snap judgments
Judgment:
Critical thinkers with good judgments are:
- Recognizing relevance and/or merit of
alternative assumptions and perfectives
- Recognizing the extend and weight of
evidences.
stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
WEEK 17: CRITICAL THINKING AND LOGIC
Terminologies:
• Logic: the study of the criteria used in
evaluating inferences or arguments…
• Inference: a process of reasoning in
which a new belief is formed on the basis
of or in virtue of evidence or proof
supposedly provided by other beliefs.
• Argument: a collection of statements or
propositions, some of which are intended
to provide support or evidence in favor of
one of the others.
VALIDITY AND SOUNDNESS
• Statement or Proposition: something
that can either be true or false. We There’s more to and argument being a good one
usually think of a statement as a than validity. To be a good argument, and
declarative sentence, or a part of a argument must also have true premises. An
sentence. argument with true premises is also called
factually correct. A sound argument is an
argument that is both valid and correct
DEDUCTIVE VERSUS INDUCTIVE
An invalid argument may have true or false
Deductive Inductive argument premises, and a true or false conclusion. A valid
Argument argument may have false premises with either a
The author intends to The author intends it true or false conclusion. The only combination
be so strong that it is only to be so strong that is ruled out is a valid argument with true
impossible for the that it is improbable premises and a false conclusion. Sound
premises to be true that the premises arguments always have true conclusions.
and the conclusion to could be true and
be false, or in other conclusion false, or
words, that the in other words that
conclusion follows the conclusion is SOME LOGICAL PITFALLS
necessarily from the likely if the premises Begging the question:
premises are true
a deductive An inductive - An argument begs the question when it
argument attempts argument only makes use of a premise that no one who
(successfully or attempts didn’t already accept the conclusion
unsuccessfully) to (successfully or would believe. Simply put, an argument
provide full proof of unsuccessfully) to begs the question when it reasons in a
the conclusion provide evidence for circle or presupposes the truth of the very
the likely truth of the thing it’s trying to prove
conclusion, rather
- Begging the question is also called
than outright proof.
“arguing in a circle” as it is more of
assuming instead of supporting.

stan zerobaseone
CRWT FINALS lovelicky~!
Appeal to Ignorance Fallacy OPINION VERSUS FACT
- This fallacy is committed when - An opinion is something that someone
something is concluded to be true simply believes to be true
because it hasn’t been proven to be - a fact is something that is true
false, or is concluded to be false just - Sometimes people disagree about what
because it hasn’t been proven to be true. the fact of the matter is with regard to a
Reasoning in such a way is invalid. certain question. In those cases, there
Something can be true even if no one are many opinions but only one fact.
succeeded in showing it to be true. - Those people whose opinion agrees with
- This is also known as an argument from the facts are correct; those who have
ignorance (argumentatum ad other opinions are incorrect.
ignorantiam) which involves claiming that - There are only either facts or opinions,
something is true or false based on a lack not alternative facts.
of evidence.
Wishful Thinking Fallacy
- This fallacy is committed when someone
concludes that something must be true in
virtue of what he or she wants to be true
for doesn’t want to be false instead of
what the evidence suggests.
Unfortunately, just because there are
better consequences to something’s
being true rather than false does not
provide evidence that it is true.
- This can also be called “Appeal to Hope”
Fallacy, as it attempts to persuades by
invoking hopes and desires.
Ad Hominem Fallacy
- This is completely known as argumentum
ad hominem (argument against the
person).
- This fallacy is committed when an
argument or position is rejected not in
virtue of its logical merits, but rather in
virtue of the character, personality,
background or motivation of the person
giving the argument or holding the
position. However, a position can be true,
and an argument can be sound, no
matter how deplorable the person is.
Who holds a belief has nothing to do with
whether or not it’s true?

stan zerobaseone